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Us Fleet Forces News

09 Feb 2023

The U.S. Navy Needs More Ships, Encourages Industry to "Pick up the Pace"

Bryce Woolston cleans up welds on the Virginia-class attack submarine USS Delaware (SSN 791) at HII Newport News Shipbuilding. (HII photo by Chris Oxley)

The demand for warships is strong, and the Navy continues to receive support from the Congress to build more ships. The Navy is working to achieve a fleet of about 355 ships, plus a fleet of about 150 unmanned vesselsBut to achieve something close to that goal requires more than demand, and even more than money. For one thing, it requires an industrial base that can build, repair and sustain that fleet.While Navy leadership acknowledges the challenges of a stressed supply chain…

03 May 2021

Grady Designated SNA's 'Old Salt'

Admiral Christopher Grady, U.S. Navy (Photo: U.S. Navy)

The Surface Navy Association’s (SNA) "Old Salt" designation, honoring the active duty U. S. Navy Officer with the earliest date of qualification as a Surface Warfare Officer, has passed to Admiral Christopher Grady. Grady is currently assigned as the Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command.Grady relieved Admiral Philip Davidson, who has retired, and is now the 21st individual to receive this honor.Initiated in 1988, the Old Salt award is accompanied by a bronze statue depicting a naval officer on the pitching deck of a ship. The statue is cast from metal salvaged from historic U.S.

30 Jun 2020

Shipbuilders Council of America Honors Buzby

Mark Buzby (Photo: MARAD)

The Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA), the national association representing the U.S. shipyard industry, today honored Maritime Administration (MARAD) Administrator Mark H. Buzby with the SCA Maritime Leadership Award during this year’s virtual advocacy meeting. The Award is given annually to national leaders who demonstrate exemplary dedication and support of the U.S. shipbuilding and repair industry.“Rear Admiral Buzby has dedicated his life to military and public service to protect the United States’ national and domestic security…

07 Jun 2020

Injured Crewman Medevaced from Disabled Maersk Containership

A crewmember burned by an engine room blast aboard Danish-flagged Laura Maersk off the U.S. East Coast was transported by helicopter to a hospital in Norfolk, Va. (U.S. Coast Guard video by Air Station Elizabeth City)

The U.S. Coast Guard said it medevaced a Maersk containership crewmember injured by an engine room blast that disabled the vessel off the U.S. East Coast.The Coast Guard said watchstanders at its Fifth District command center received a report on Thursday evening that an explosion occurred in the engine room of the Danish-flagged cargo ship Laura Maersk, which burned a crewmember and disabled the vessel.Aircrews aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and an HC-130 Hercules airplane from Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C.

11 May 2020

Tanker Crewman Medevaced Off Virginia

(U.S. Coast Guard photo)

A tanker crew member was medevaced approximately 400 miles off the coast of Virginia, Friday evening.Watchstanders at the U.S. Coast Guard’s Fifth District command center were notified by a crewmember on the Marshall Islands flagged ship Arctic Flounder that a chief officer aboard had shown symptoms of a possible stroke.Aircrews aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and an HC-130 Hercules airplane from Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C. launched to assist.Due to the extensive distance, the Coast Guard Fifth District coordinated with U.S.

22 Apr 2020

USNS Comfort Docks in New York

The Capt. Brian A. McAllister leads the way for the USNS COMFORT into NY Harbor as she passes the Statue of Liberty on March 30, 2020. (Photo Credit: Max Guliani)

The U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) arrived in New York Monday to support COVID-19 response efforts in the epicenter of America's coronavirus outbreak.The ship will serve as a referral hospital for non-coronavirus patients currently admitted to shore-based hospitals, and will provide a full spectrum of medical care to include general surgeries, critical care and ward care for adults. This will allow local health professionals to focus on treating COVID-19 patients…

09 Dec 2019

Aircraft Carrier John F. Kennedy Christened

More than 20,000 guests attended the christening ceremony of the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) at Newport News Shipbuilding division. (Photo: Ben Scott/HII)

The U.S. Navy’s newest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) was christened Saturday during a ceremony at Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Newport News Shipbuilding division.The second aircraft carrier in the Ford Class, John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) is also the second aircraft carrier built by Newport News Shipbuilding named for JFK. Like its forerunner CVN 78, Kennedy is a truly electric aircraft carrier, with many of the systems powered by steam on Nimitz-class carriers now powered by electricity.

11 Jan 2019

Surface Navy Association to Hold Annual Symposium

Rear Adm. Ronald A. Boxall, director, Surface Warfare, addresses attendees of the Surface Navy Association's 30th National Symposium in 2018. (U.S. Navy photo by Timothy Hale)

The Surface Navy Association will hold its 31st National Symposium January 15-17, 2019 at the Crystal City Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel in Arlington, Va.The symposium will feature senior Navy leaders delivering keynote remarks, focused on the theme of “Ready, Agile, Focused: Own the Fight!”Featured speakers include Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Bill Moran; Commander, Naval Surface Forces/Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Vice Adm. Richard A. Brown, USN; Director, Surface Warfare (N96) Rear Adm. Ronald A. Boxall; and Director, Expeditionary Warfare (N95) Maj. Gen.

16 Nov 2018

INSIGHTS: Rear Admiral Mark H. Buzby, USN (Ret)

Rear Admiral Mark Buzby is the Maritime Administrator, U.S. Maritime Administration.Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby was appointed by President Donald Trump and sworn in as Maritime Administrator on August 8, 2017. Prior to his appointment, Buzby served as president of the National Defense Transportation Association, a position he has held since retiring from the U.S. Navy in 2013 with over 34 years of service. A 1979 graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Buzby earned his Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science and U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate License. He was commissioned in the US Navy in June 1979, is a graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College and holds master’s degrees from the U.S.

26 Oct 2018

SNA's "Old Salt" Award Passed to Adm. Davidson

Adm. Phil Davidson, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, right, and Adm. Kurt W. Tidd, commander of U.S. Southern Command, pose with the Old Salt Award during a ceremony at the Pentagon. Davidson received the Old Salt award which is sponsored by the Surface Navy Association (SNA) and is given to the longest serving active-duty officer who is surface warfare officer (SWO) qualified. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Paul L. Archer/Released)

Adm. Philip S. Davidson, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), became the Navy’s newest “Old Salt” during an award presentation Oct. 22 at the Pentagon.The “Old Salt” award is given to the active duty officer who has held the Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) qualification for the longest amount of time."It is a tremendous honor to receive this award. I have been fortunate to be part of this organization for more than 35 years, serving alongside a number of amazing men and women.

06 Dec 2017

Interview: Rear Adm. Mark Buzby, US Maritime Administrator

Rear Admiral Mark H. Buzby, USN (Ret), Maritime Administrator, U.S. Maritime Administration

Insights: Rear Admiral Mark H. Buzby, USN (Ret), Maritime Administrator, U.S. Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby was appointed by President Donald Trump and sworn in as Maritime Administrator on August 8, 2017. Prior to his appointment, Buzby served as president of the National Defense Transportation Association, a position he has held since retiring from the U.S. Navy in 2013 with over 34 years of service. A 1979 graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Buzby earned his Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science and U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate License. He was commissioned in the U.S.

18 Oct 2017

Charting the Next 100 Years of Naval Station Norfolk

What does the future hold for Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval station? Building on the accomplishments of the last 100 years, leading experts will consider the possibilities and navigate toward a secure and sustainable future at the upcoming symposium, Naval Station Norfolk: Charting Our Next 100 Years, Friday October 20th at the Main, hotel and conference center. The Future Fleet Design session will be conducted by VADM Richard P. Breckenridge from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.. The session will discuss the USFF Fleet Design Plan that will drive the implementation of Fleet Design by 2023. The presentation on Fleet Design will define how the fleet…

06 Oct 2017

USS Iwo Jima and USS New York Underway

Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces, Adm. Phil Davidson, has ordered the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) and amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), with elements from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, to get underway from their homeport in Mayport Oct. Both ships are directed to be in position to support the gulf coast region in the event assistance is needed following Tropical Storm Nate, which is currently projected to strengthen into a hurricane before making landfall. Once employed, our Navy and Marine Corps team has capabilities that will be uniquely effective in disaster relief efforts. To support these capabilities, the combined aircraft on the two ships are three U.S.

06 Sep 2017

Florida Navy Bases Prepare for Irma

Navy installations throughout Florida are preparing for heavy weather as Hurricane Irma approaches South Florida. Commander, Navy Region Southeast, Rear Adm. Bette Bolivar, directed the evacuation of non-essential personnel and family members from Naval Air Station Key West, Florida, Sept. 5. "Their safety and security is a top priority," Bolivar said. Approximately 50-60 mission essential personnel are remaining behind to maintain essential functions on the installation. Naval Air Station Key West personnel have a designated safe haven area of within 300 miles of Atlanta. Personnel and family members need to muster with the installation, their command or through the Navy Family Accountability and Assistance System (NFAAS) website upon arrival to the safe haven area.

16 Aug 2017

Buzby Sworn in as Maritime Administrator

U.S Secretary of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao administers the Oath of Office to Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby, USN, Ret. as Maritime Administrator (L to R: Admiral Mark H. Buzby,  Gina Buzby and Secretary Elaine L. Chao) (Photo: MARAD)

Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby, USN, Ret. has been sworn in as the Administrator of the Maritime Administration by U.S Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao. As Maritime Administrator, Buzby will lead the agency tasked with promoting the use of waterborne transportation and its seamless integration with other segments of the transportation system; and the development and maintenance of an adequate, well-balanced U.S. merchant marine, sufficient to carry a substantial portion of the Nation’s waterborne commerce, and capable of service in time of war or national emergency.

30 Jul 2017

USS Gerald R. Ford Completes First Arrested Landing

Less than one week after Pres. Donald J. Trump commissioned the U.S. Navy's newest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) launched and recovered its first fixed-wing aircraft July 28, 2017, off the coast of Virginia. The first arrested landing, or "trap", occurred at 3:10 PM (EST) and the first catapult launch happened at 4:37 PM (EST). Lt. Cmdr. Jamie Struck of Tallmedge, Ohio piloted the F/A-18F Superhornet from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 based at Patuxent River, Maryland. The Superhornet caught the number two arresting wire of Ford's advanced arresting gear (AAG) system and was launched from catapult one using the electromagnetic launch system (EMALS). "Today, USS Gerald R.

14 Apr 2017

US Navy Ends 'ENDS' on Ships

Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF) and Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (PACFLT) released a joint message April 14, that suspends the use, possession, storage and charging of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) aboard ships, submarines, aircraft, boats, craft and heavy equipment. The prohibition applies to Sailors, Marines, Military Sealift Command civilians and any personnel working on or visiting those units. The Fleet commanders implemented this policy to protect the safety and welfare of Sailors and to protect the ships, submarines, aircraft and equipment. The prohibition will be effective 30 days from the release of the policy May 14, and will remain in effect until a final determination can be made following a thorough analysis.

10 Apr 2017

Eisenhower Strike Group Ready for Action

Approximately 6,000 Sailors from the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG) are conducting a sustainment exercise (SUSTEX) to maintain their readiness and capability to deploy anywhere in the world on short notice should the need arise. "Ike CSG is doing a great job on SUSTEX. Sustaining the readiness of this strike group--so it is ready to respond to a crisis anywhere on the planet--is a bargain and an important part of what our Navy's Optimized Fleet Response Plan does for the nation," said Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces. SUSTEX is designed to test and train the carrier strike group's ability to perform and effectively respond as an integrated team during scenarios the group may encounter while deployed or during high-end warfare.

02 Nov 2016

Motor City Welcomes Navy’s Newest Ship

USS Detroit (LCS 7) conducts acceptance trials. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin-Michael Rote)

USS Detroit (LCS 7) was commissioned in its namesake city of Detroit on October 22. Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, officially placed the vessel in commission. "Today is about service. Cmdr. Michael P. Desmond, who command LCS Crew 108 “Ghost Riders,” assumed command of Detroit. "USS Detroit is truly blessed to have the opportunity to commission in its namesake city. Speakers included Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters. "Cmdr.

25 Oct 2016

USS Detroit Commissioned

Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Detroit (LCS 7) is pierside on Detroit's waterfront. LCS-7 is the sixth U.S. ship named in honor of city of Detroit. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin)

Nearly 6,500 people gathered in front of the General Motors building at the Port of Detroit for the commissioning ceremony for the U.S. Navy’s new Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS), USS Detroit (LCS 7), on October 22, when the ship was officially placed in commission by Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. “When a ship is commissioned she is placed in service of the American people and is given the charge to do one thing: to execute the Navy's mission – to be prepared to conduct prompt, sustained combat incident to operations at sea,” Davidson said.

22 Oct 2016

USN to Commission LCS Detroit

The Navy will commission its newest Freedom-variant littoral combat ship, Detroit (LCS 7), during an 11 a.m. EDT ceremony Saturday, Oct. 22 on Detroit's waterfront. Detroit is the sixth U.S. ship in our nation's history to be named in honor of city of Detroit. Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Barbara Levin, wife of former U.S. Senator Carl Levin, serves as the ship's sponsor. "This ship represents so much. It represents the city of Detroit, the motor city. It represents the highly-skilled American workers of our nation's industrial base, the men and women who built this great warship and it represents the American spirit of hard work, patriotism and perseverance," said the Honorable Ray Mabus, secretary of the Navy.

11 May 2016

SUNY Maritime Midshipmen Receive Naval Commissions

Photo: SUNY Maritime College

Last week, 24 midshipmen received commissions to become ensigns in the U.S. Navy at SUNY Maritime College. More than half of the students were selected for duty as strategic sealift officers, who provide logistical and other forms of support in times of military deployment. Many of them will go on to work for Military Sealift Command; others were selected for surface warfare or submarines and one was selected to be a student naval aviator. Admiral Phil Davidson, commander of U.S.

27 Mar 2016

2015 USFFC Fleet Sea, Shore Sailors of the Year

Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Adm. Phil Davidson announced the 2015 USFFC Fleet Sea and Shore Sailors of the Year during a ceremony hosted by the Hampton Roads Navy League at the Sheraton Waterside in Norfolk, March 24. Aviation Boatswain's Mate 1st Class (AW/SW) Tinisha Franklin, a native of Brooklyn, New York, stationed aboard aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) was announced as the 2015 Sea Sailor of the Year and Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 1st Class (AW/SW) Brian McGarrigle, a native of Clearwater, Florida, stationed at Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 40 (HSM-40) as the Shore Sailor of the Year. "For the Shore Sailors of the Year standing behind me…